Making a Joyful Noise - 101

DVD Content

Most people who have attempted to lead congregational singing have mastered the basic beat patterns. They may have even learned the proper way to bring everyone in at the beginning of the song, and cut them off at the end.

But what about songs with unusual or varying time signatures? What exactly is a “downbeat” and why is it important? What are the best ways to lead 6/8 time? What about preparatory beats for songs that don’t begin on the downbeat? How important are mood and tempo? What can you do to make a better partnership with an accompanist? How can the music contribute to the spirituality of a meeting? What if you need a refresher course in musical notation? How do you direct a fermata? What are the options & considerations when you don’t have time to sing all the verses of a closing song?

With all of those questions in mind, the following subjects have been covered in detail in Making a Joyful Noise—101:


Chapter List

  1. Introduction
  2. Preparation Is Key - Working With Your Accompanist
  3. Preparation Is Key - Hymn Selection
  4. General Pointers
  5. Musical Notation - the Fundamentals of Written Music
  6. Mood and Tempo
  7. The Basics of Directing
  8. Common Mistakes to Avoid, and Unusual Arrangements
  9. Applying the Basics - Demonstrations with a Choir
  10. Conclusion & Credits